A study of the effect of suction drainage on microvascular anastomosis.

The effect of suction drainage on the patency of microvascular anastomosis was evaluated in 20 rats. No anastomosed vessels were sucked into the suction drain. Histologic examination of the specimens showed normal healing of the endothelium across the anastomotic site and no evidence of thrombus formation. The results indicate that the suction pressure does not affect the patency of microvascular anastomosis.